Student Handbook - Dialectic and Rhetoric Stage

Student Handbook

Welcome to School of the Ozarks

A Laboratory School of College of the Ozarks

The School of the Ozarks was founded in 1906 with the purpose of providing a Christian education for the children of the Ozarks region. That small school has now transformed into College of the Ozarks, the unique and award-winning college of which a laboratory school is an important part. School of the Ozarks reflects the vision of the College of the Ozarks and emphasizes the importance of Christ-like character and a Biblical worldview in understanding Truth. School of the Ozarks has been established under The Keeter Center for Character Education, a dynamic part of College of the Ozarks. The School welcomes anyone who desires a quality Christian education and is willing to work to his/her potential. The book of Daniel, chapter 1, details the commitment of four Hebrew youth who chose to live God’s way. Not only were they physically stronger than their peers, but, “To these four…God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.”

This handbook outlines the policies and procedures of School of the Ozarks. The rules and regulations established by the School are intended to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all and to instruct the student in establishing self-discipline.

Rules and regulations in this handbook are in effect at the time of publication, August 1, 2017. Changes in these policies may be made by the administration of the School of the Ozarks at any time. The most updated copy may be found online through the School’s RenWeb ParentsWeb site.

Mission

School of the Ozarks will operate within the same mission of College of the Ozarks, to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.

Vision

School of the Ozarks reflects the vision of College of the Ozarks:

The vision of School of the Ozarks (like that of College of the Ozarks) is to develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.

Goals

In carrying out this vision, School of the Ozarks has adopted five goals that mirror those of the College but are adapted for the environment of the K-12 lab school. These goals are rooted in the goals of the original School of the Ozarks, founded in 1906.

Academic Goal

To provide students with the opportunity to develop their God-given knowledge and wisdom to their fullest potential so that they might become producers and influencers.

Daniel 1:17: “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning…”

Vocational Goal

To promote a strong work ethic and to demonstrate a servant’s heart in the workplace whether as an employer or employee.

Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus…”

Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.”

Christian Goal

To foster a deeper knowledge of Christ, a desire to be conformed to His image, and the desire to live a life that reflects a Christian worldview.

Philippians 3:7-14: “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:29: “For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.”

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”

Patriotic Goal

To encourage an understanding of American heritage, the value and responsibility of living in a country that has a constitution, a love of country, and a willingness to defend it.

Psalm 33:10-12: “The LORD frustrates the counsel of the nations; He thwarts the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh…”

Cultural Goal

To cultivate Christian leaders who influence the culture at large because of their pursuit of excellence, their determination to stand for truth, and their willingness to live out their faith.

Daniel 3:28, 30: “Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God’…Then the king rewarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.”

Matthew 7:24: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.”

Laboratory School

School of the Ozarks is an important part of College of the Ozarks. It is used to encourage excellence and creativity with a distinctly Christian worldview. As a member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and the International Association of Laboratory Schools, the School seeks to be a leader and an example of what is best for American education. Traditionally, a laboratory school’s commitment has been to assist in preparing teachers, while delivering quality instructional programs for children in the classroom. These schools are affiliated with a college or university for specific purposes that go beyond the scope of traditional public and private institutions. Over the years, laboratory schools have evolved to reflect the diverse needs of the teaching professional and have often led the way in improving the science and art of teaching. Operating under The Keeter Center for Character Education provides an opportunity for faculty and students from various departments to interface with the School on a regular basis.

Honor Code

Each student is expected to uphold to the standard of the Honor Code.

I agree to be an honest, trustworthy, caring and responsible citizen. I will uphold these values in others and myself.

School Colors and Mascot

School of the Ozarks colors are cardinal red and navy blue.

School of the Ozarks mascot is the Patriot, reflecting the patriotic goal of the School and an appreciation of the values on which this nation was founded.

Christ-Like Behavior

School of the Ozarks aims to honor Christ in all that we do, and we expect nothing less of our students. Each student is expected to be respectful and above reproach in all areas of his or her life.

Character

The vision statement of the School of the Ozarks mirrors that of the College and focuses on the development of Christ-like character in our students. Students and staff are expected to live a life yielded to the will of God and guided by His Spirit to be transformed into the image of His Son. We realize that this is an on-going process, but one that must be intentional both by trainers and trainees. The School places a high value on character and developing character within our students.

School Trip Participation

Students will not be allowed to participate in school trips if they are not in good standing in regards to grades, attendance, or behavior. This will be determined at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School.

Lifestyle/Sexuality Policy

College of the Ozarks is guided by a long-standing traditional, biblical worldview which reflects the understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God, and that:

? sexual relations are for the purpose of the procreation of human life and the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in self-giving love, purposes that are to be achieved solely through heterosexual relationships in marriage (Genesis 1:28; 2:24; Exodus 20:14; Proverbs 5:15-23; Matthew 19:5; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 7:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Misuses of God’s gift of human sexuality will be understood to include, but not be limited to gender expression inconsistent with sex assigned at birth (transgender), gender transition, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, heterosexual misconduct, homosexual conduct, or possession of pornographic materials. In addition, the College considers indiscreet public display of affection as inappropriate behavior.

Employees and students at College of the Ozarks are expected to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with the highest standards of Christian morality. It is particularly important to the College that high standards of sexual morality be observed among its employees and

students.

Toward this end, the College may subject to disciplinary action any employee or student who engages in or encourages:

1. Gender expression inconsistent with sex assigned at birth;

2. Gender transition;

3. Sexual relations with a person other than his/her spouse;

4. Sexual relations with a person of the same sex;

5. Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature

with a person of the same sex;

6. Touching, caressing, and other physical conduct of a sexual nature

with a person of the opposite sex that is inappropriate to the time and

place in which it occurs.

Disciplinary action may include disciplinary dismissal.

Character Education

School of the Ozarks has been established under the division of Character Education of College of the Ozarks. Therefore our programs will be rooted in the goals of The Keeter Center for Character Education. Character education at School of the Ozarks will:

Promote basic Christian values such as honesty, respect for and service to others, good citizenship, generosity, honor, courage, sound use of time and talents, and the work ethic.

Character Point Average (CPA)

At the end of each semester, our faculty members reflect upon each student’s character qualities. All teachers and the Dean of the Lab School evaluate how each student’s life reflects the fruits of the Spirit, the five goals of the College and School, and the twelve FirstPLACE! character traits selected by our community. Students are given a detailed report with scores in thirty-one specific categories. Only the student and his/her family see the final report with the scores of all faculty members, which were submitted anonymously. This evaluation helps the student and his or her parent(s) reflect on areas where he or she is most like Christ, as well as to identify areas in which he or she might need to be more sensitive to His Spirit.

First PLACE!

These twelve character traits were chosen by the citizens of Stone and Taney counties as major indicators of good character. They represent the baseline for daily character expectations.

Respect – treating others with courtesy and honor

Responsibility – taking ownership of what you say and do

Citizenship – being loyal to your country

Compassion/Kindness – caring for others

Commitment – being true to your word

Honesty – being truthful in what you say and do

Cooperation – working together toward a common goal

Perseverance – demonstrating persistent determination

Self-discipline – training and control of yourself

Patience – waiting calmly

Patriotism – showing love for one’s country

Courage – facing difficulty with bravery

Work Point Average (WPA)

In keeping with the vocational goal of College of the Ozarks, School of the Ozarks strives to continue the excellence set forth by the College work education program. Due to the fact that all School of the Ozarks students are commuters, “work assignments” must fit into scheduled breaks or take place before or after the school day. Student tasks are age-appropriate and at the younger grades are very similar to chores done at home. Small changes have been made each year in order to develop a system best fitted for School of the Ozarks’ students and to allow space for them to grow.

7-8 students are asked to clean 45 minutes one day a week and are in charge of the overall cleanliness of the K-8 building. Students vacuum the entire building, take out all of the trash, clean the restrooms, and ensure the building looks presentable each day. Students are supervised by a teacher and are given a work grade at the end of each semester. Teachers have a conversation with each student to discuss the grade they received.

9-12 students are tasked with various workstations as they mature in the school. Much like the 7th and 8th graders, each student is assigned a workstation and a supervisor to oversee their work. At the end of each semester, they also receive a grade and meet with their supervisor. Upperclassmen have the opportunity to request a new workstation for the following year. Students that perform poorly may be reassigned to a job with less responsibility. In most cases, the reassignment would be custodial.

Christian Worldview Curriculum

A biblical worldview will be emphasized throughout each and every course that the students take. The School of the Ozarks is dedicated to teaching God’s Word and incorporating it into every aspect of the student’s experience.

Grade Scale

Letter Grade

Numeric Grade

GPA

A

95-100

4.0

A-

90-94

3.7

B+

87-89

3.3

B

83-86

3.0

B-

80-82

2.7

C+

77-79

2.3

C

73-76

2.0

C-

70-72

1.7

D+

67-69

1.3

D

63-66

1.0

D-

60-62

0.7

F

59 and below

0.0

College Credit

Juniors and seniors at School of the Ozarks may have the opportunity to take a college credit course through College of the Ozarks with approval from the Dean of the Lab School provided they have earned no grades lower than a “C” during the previous semester. These courses will be of no additional charge to the student. These students have a special application, provided by the School’s Dean. This application is submitted to the Admissions Office of the College. Should they wish to apply as a regular degree seeking student after high school graduation, these students must apply through regular admissions procedures through the Admissions Office.

Honor Roll

Students who achieve a grade-point average of 4.0 in a given marking period are placed on the Patriots Honor Roll. In addition, students who achieve a grade-point average of 3.6-3.99 will be placed on the Upper School Dean’s List. Students who achieve Honor Roll status may qualify to be inducted in the School’s chapter of National Beta Club.

Graduation

A graduation ceremony will take place at the end of the school year for all graduating seniors. Students will be loaned a cap and gown and will be given the opportunity to purchase a class ring and graduation announcements.

Requirements for receiving a diploma are as follows:

1. Attendance at School of the Ozarks for at least one full academic year. Transfer credit is determined upon admission.

2. An overall grade-point average of 1.7.

Academic Warning and Probation

A student is placed on academic warning for receiving one F or two grades of D+ or lower in a marking period. A student is placed on academic probation for receiving two Fs or three or more grades of D+ or lower in a marking period, or is placed on academic warning for two consecutive marking periods. Any student who is placed on academic probation for an entire year may be required to repeat that grade. A student who has been on academic warningor probation for any semester during the school year may be required to take an online summer course at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School.

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Students in grades 8-12 are to report to the flag pole for opening ceremonies (Monday-Thursday) no later than 9:00 a.m. Seventh grade students should report to the lower school commons area no later than 9:00 a.m. *Friday morning chapel will start at 9:00 a.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel. All grades will attend. Lifetime fitness will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday for grades 7-8, and on Tuesday and Thursday for grades 9-12. [Parents are to report all absences to the office by 10:00 a.m. Any student coming in late must report to the office to be signed in by a parent (if the student drives, then a phone call from a parent is requested).]

School dismisses at 4:15 p.m., unless a student’s work assignment requires him or her to stay later. Supervision is provided until 4:45 p.m. We request that students get picked up promptly after dismissal.

Founder’s Friday

Students will attend a chapel service at 9:00 a.m. every Friday and should arrive early. These services will include the opportunity to hear speakers give a brief message on faith and freedom as envisioned by the founders of the country. During this service, students will be expected to be dressed in their Friday uniform, no exceptions. In addition, the last period of every Friday will be dedicated to learning about a founder of our nation. Parents are welcome to attend chapel services.

Attendance

Regular school attendance is important to a student’s academic success and also promotes good work habits and self-discipline. When a student and his/her family accept an appointment to S of O, they are making a commitment to be in school as much as possible. Parents are to report all absences to the office by 10:00 a.m. to be considered excused. Students are not allowed to report their own absences. Any absence that goes unreported will be unexcused and may result in disciplinary action. Students who are dismissed or checked out from school early for any reason must be signed out at the office by a parent or must be dismissed by a parent phone call (if the student drives). Further, any student coming in late for any reason must sign in at the office. Parents may email teachers and request homework be sent to the office and may pick it up after school has dismissed for the day.

Prearranged Absences

We request that parents call the office to inform us of a prearranged absence. Due to the rigor of the curriculum and the fact that classroom discussions and experiences cannot be replicated, it is recommended that students avoid absences. When a family accepts the appointment of their student to School of the Ozarks, the family is making a commitment for the child to be in school as much as possible. Students who wish to continue at School of the Ozarks should not accept employment or other offers that would require them to miss school during the regularly scheduled day.

Tardies

School of the Ozarks will have a devotional and opening ceremony each morning. It is an important moment of the school day, and attendance is required. Students should be present for these events before 9:00 a.m. Arrival after the start of these events will be considered a tardy. *Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. for the flag ceremony at Patriot’s Plaza should remain in their vehicles until the conclusion of the flag ceremony and then report directly to the Dean of the Lab School. Students are allowed three (3) tardies per semester. Tardies beyond this number will result in disciplinary action. Emergencies and inclement weather will be taken into account. The consequences of classroom tardies are at the discretion of each teacher.

Orientation

An orientation day will take place before opening day each year. This will be a very important event, and student attendance is mandatory. This orientation will lay the foundation for the year.

Athletics

School of the Ozarks is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Mark Twain Conference. School of the Ozarks will provide opportunities for participation in a variety of athletic activities. If a student chooses to participate in a sport, he or she will be allowed to use that participation as their physical education credit for those days that they are practicing for that sport. Students who are participating in athletics are expected to represent the School appropriately and participate in all practices and events as scheduled. A student must have a completed physical form on file before being allowed to participate in any school-sponsored sport. Any student participating in a sport will be expected to maintain his or her grades to his or her highest ability. The Dean, faculty, or coach may require a student to take a mandatory break from athletics if they feel grades are suffering. Each athlete will be loaned a uniform and equipment for the season, and he or she will be expected to take proper care and return those items at the end of the season. If an item is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay to replace the item. Athletic practices will be held before school each day, and students will need to be prepared for proper hygiene before reporting for classes on that day. It is the policy of School of the Ozarks that all S of O students are to remain in the stands while games are in progress.

Purpose of Athletics

The purpose of athletics at School of the Ozarks is to build character through competition and to give students a competitive outlet for their energy. The time-honored qualities of hard work, commitment, cooperation, fair play, and sportsmanship are just some of the benefits of an athletic program. At School of the Ozarks, we believe that the athletic arena is one more area in which our students can learn and exhibit Christ-like character qualities. Therefore, School of the Ozarks is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the Mark Twain Conference.

Conduct/Discipline

The role of discipline at School of the Ozarks is to create an atmosphere conducive to learning. Students are expected to show due respect to teachers, peers, property and administration. In addition, discipline at the School ought always to uphold the essential virtues established by the School’s mission statement and professed in its curriculum. The School recognizes that good conduct by students promotes good behavior off campus and prepares the students for good citizenship in adulthood. Accordingly, students will be expected to adhere to the general rules of the School, as well as those rules established by each teacher within his or her classroom. School of the Ozarks students must stand respectfully and recognize the American flag during the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Any conduct that is deemed inappropriate will result in disciplinary action as seen fit by the Dean and/or teacher in charge. Parents will be notified of minor offenses via pink slips sent home with the student.

There are five basic behaviors that will automatically necessitate discipline from an administrator. Those behaviors are:

1. Disrespect shown to a staff member. The staff member is the judge of whether or not disrespect has been shown.

2. Dishonesty in any situation while at school, including lying, cheating, and stealing.

3. Rebellion, i.e. outright disobedience in response to instructions.

4. Fighting, i.e. striking in anger with the intention to harm the other student

5. Obscene, vulgar, or profane language, as well as taking the name of the Lord in vain.

Any student who demonstrates a general unwillingness or inability to abide by classroom or School of the Ozarks rules is subject to suspension or expulsion. After meeting with parents, the student, and the involved faculty, the Dean of the Lab School will decide if expulsion is warranted. Students may be dismissed from the School at any time at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School, with the approval of the Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Dean of Character Education.

Prohibited Items

Any introduction of a weapon, an illegal drug, tobacco, alcohol or sexually explicit material will be treated as grounds for immediate expulsion. Any use of the latter four, either at school or outside of school, will similarly be treated with utmost gravity and may be grounds for immediate expulsion.

Food

Aside from the luncheon period, personal consumption of food and beverages, including candy and chewing gum, is never permitted in the building, with the exception of bottled water as long as the top can be completely sealed. Under no circumstances may students keep food or beverages in their lockers overnight.

Celebrations:

Parties will not be held at school unless the teacher has prior approval from administration. S of O parties are for School of the Ozarks students and sponsors only. No other guests are permitted without prior approval from administration.

Dress Code

Our school uniform seeks to achieve a clean and well-groomed appearance for our students and to free them from fashion trends and peer pressure. Uniforms are to be purchased through Parker School Uniforms.

Monday through Thursday uniforms can include any of the following items:

Khaki or navy pants, shorts, or skorts (for girls)

Plaid skorts/skirts (for girls)

Oxford shirt with S of O Logo

Polo shirt with S of O Logo

? Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

? Belts must be worn with slacks or shorts at all times and must be brown or black in color.

On Fridays, a one-tone, dark leather (brown, black or navy), and practical school shoe with non-skid soles, enclosed toe, and full back must be worn. Belts are to be of a solid dark color (brown, black, or navy) as well. Shirts must be tucked into the slacks or skorts at all times. Boots, sandals, clogs, mules, and halfbacks are not permitted. Non-skid soles and laces, if applicable, must be dark in color. Girls are not to wear heels higher than one inch.

Jewelry, Makeup, and Hairstyle:

Neck chains and watches should be removed for P.E. and sports. Hair is to be neat and clean. Boys’ hair should be above the eyebrows, off the collar, above the ears, and of uniform length. Facial hair is to be clean, neat, and professional. Girls’ hair should be neatly styled with natural hair color. Natural-looking highlights are permitted. School uniform plaid, red, white, or navy solid color hair bows and headbands are permitted for girls. Makeup is to be professional looking and not meant to draw attention to the individual. Jewelry should be appropriate and non-offensive. All questions of jewelry, makeup and hairstyle are at the discretion of the Dean of the Lab School.

Students who wear nail polish should meet the following criteria: One matching color on all ten nails. Nail color should be neutral (not black) or a school color of cardinal or navy. (No distracting colors – i.e. turquoise, neon, purple, black, etc.) All questions of appropriate nail color are at the discretion of the dean or assistant to the dean.

Coats and jackets that are not from the approved Parker Uniforms clothing list may be worn outside the building only and kept in the student’s locker. No hats will be allowed in the building.

Computer Use Policy (before, during or after school)

Computers may be used for school research and teacher-assigned projects only. These are the only two acceptable uses of School of the Ozarks computers. No use of computer games, online chat rooms, social media, etc. is permitted. Limited use of e-mail is allowed for seniors in the process of college or university application. Any student using school computers for anything other than teacher-assigned projects will receive disciplinary action.

Telephones

No cell phones (including the Apple Watch) will be allowed at school, no exceptions. Students must obtain permission at the office or from a teacher to use the phone in the office or in a classroom. Outgoing calls should be of an urgent nature and should be kept brief.

Electronic Equipment

Students are not to bring electronic equipment of any kind to campus except for class use, as authorized by the teacher.

Social Media

Students are not allowed to initiate social media accounts (such as Facebook) that include the name “School of the Ozarks” without permission from the Dean of the Lab School. All current passwords for administration of such pages must be on file with the School of the Ozarks office, and School of the Ozarks employees may at any time edit the page for content or take it down. In general, students using social media should be aware that statements, photos, preferences, etc. are a reflection on their Savior, their family, School of the Ozarks, and themselves.

Ephesians 4:29

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Cheating/Plagiarism

School of the Ozarks seeks to nurture absolute respect for intellectual property. Any willful misrepresentation of another’s work or ideas as one’s own (cheating or plagiarism) will be treated with the utmost gravity. Looking on another student’s paper during a test is cheating and will result in the student receiving a zero on that test.

Lockers

Each student will be assigned a locker. Students will be allowed to go to their locker before school, at lunch and after school. Students will only be allowed to go to lockers throughout the day or in between classes with permission from a teacher or administrator. Students are never to keep food in their locker overnight. Backpacks may be used to transport notebooks, binders, and textbooks from class to class. All other belongings are to be left in the student’s locker. Girls will be allowed to carry a small purse throughout the day.

Lower School/Upper School

No upper school student should ever be in the lower school unless performing duties assigned for the work program, attending class, or in special circumstances under the direct supervision of a teacher.

Student Relationships

At School of the Ozarks we view relationships as a healthy and necessary part of the learning process. We see dating as a very serious behavior that needs to be approved and monitored by a parent. Therefore, no public display of affection will be allowed on campus. At no time should a dating relationship affect the student’s behavior, attitude, or work at school.

Student Automobiles

Having a car on campus is an earned privilege and is only offered to juniors and seniors. All student drivers must have their car registered with campus security. Forms are available in the school office, and a parking tag will be issued. Students must park in designated student parking areas. Failure to have a car registered or parking in a non-designated area will result in disciplinary action and removal of parking privileges. If a family finds it necessary for an underclassman, who is a licensed driver, to drive a vehicle to school, they must contact the Dean of the Lab School to arrange for special permission and receive a parking permit for a location outside the gates.

Designated Parking Details:

Parking is allowed daily from 5:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. in the following lots:

College Center (uphill side)

Chapel (east side only until 1 a.m. weekends; no Sunday mornings)

Ashcroft Lot

Youngman Agriculture (east side and west row, away from buildings)

Upper Plaster Lot

Kelce Lot

Youngman Resident Hall

East Fieldhouse Lot

Technology/Warehouse Lot

Students on school sponsored trips may leave their vehicle in the following lots:

The School will keep an up-to-date calendar in the office and on RenWeb ParentsWeb at all times and will make it available to students and parents. Each student will be given a planner to utilize and keep track of assignments and activities. Use of this planner is highly encouraged in order to promote good organizational skills and self-discipline.

Homework

Meaningful homework assignments are an important part of the School’s curriculum. Teachers assign quality homework for each school night within the following guidelines.

Upper school students typically receive from 30 to 45 minutes of homework per course, per day. Students at times can expect additional minutes needed to properly complete some required homework assignments.

If a student spends more time on homework than designated above, the teacher should be informed promptly so that corrective measures can be taken. While homework assignments may on occasion require more than the designated time, if a student is spending excessive time on homework with little likelihood of satisfactory completion, the parent should help the student find a reasonable stopping point and then attach a note detailing the time spent on the incomplete assignment. The teacher will accept the homework and will then contact the parent to review the circumstances. The Dean of the Lab School should be consulted next if these steps do not remedy the situation.

All homework assignments are to be completed before the beginning of the class for which the work was assigned. Failure to complete homework will be dealt with according to the individual teacher’s discretion. Teachers are required to contact parents if three or more homework assignments are not turned in on time during any marking period.

Make-up work is the sole responsibility of the student. It is the student’s obligation to contact the teacher about work missed during an absence and to complete all make-up work according to school policy or at the discretion of the teacher.

Textbooks

School of the Ozarks will provide the necessary textbooks that the students will need for each class. The rental cost of these books is included in the fee schedule. Students will leave the books in the classrooms and will be able to get any books they need to take home at the end of the school day, with the expectation that they will be brought back with them the next school day. Books are property of School of the Ozarks and should be returned in a satisfactory condition. Students returning a book with an unreasonable amount of wear or marking, or who have misplaced their book, will be charged the replacement fee.

Financial Aid

School of the Ozarks will provide financial aid for families who need assistance. In order to be considered, the parents must completely fill out the financial worksheet at the time of application. These items will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office of College of the Ozarks, and results will be reported to the Dean of the Lab School. Families’ personal financial information is only seen by the Financial Aid Office.

Please mail all financial documents directly to the following address:

College of the Ozarks

Financial Aid

Re: School of the Ozarks

P.O. Box 17

Point Lookout, MO 65726

Refund Policy

Student Account Refund Policy: Withdrawal occurs when a student officially discontinues enrollment in classes and activities of the School. Students who officially withdraw before classes begin will receive a 100% refund of all fees except the $270 deposit. Students who officially withdraw after classes begin will receive a pro-rated refund based on the date of withdrawal, up to 60% of each semester.

Account Balances

Students with account balances at the end of the school year will be required to have that balance paid before being allowed to progress to the next school year. Accounts of graduating seniors must show a zero balance before they are allowed to participate in graduation.

Conferences

Parent and teacher conferences are held twice a year. These times are designated for discussing the student’s academic achievement and citizenship. Both parents are encouraged to attend, if possible. Of course, parents and teachers are welcome to request conferences throughout the year.

Hot Lunches

Hot lunches will be provided on a daily basis for each student. These lunches are covered in the fee schedule. Upon dismissal, students will proceed to the lower school for lunch. Students are expected to behave in a mature manner and clean up their own area after eating. A limited number of freshman and sophomore students may be asked to assist, on a rotating basis, with lunch set up and clean up each day.

Continental breakfast will be provided for $2 a day to students who are participating in sports. Families who require assistance with this cost are asked to talk with school administration.

Eating with Students

Family members who wish to eat lunch with their student are allowed to do so. The cost will be $5 per person (cash only). We ask that these visits be limited to once per week at most. Parents who are College employees will pay the employee rate. Parents must notify the school office by 9:30 a.m. if they plan to eat with their child.

Illness

Students who become ill in class are required to proceed to the front office, with assistance, for parental notification. He or she may be taken to the College of the Ozarks McDonald Health Clinic to be examined by a registered nurse. If it is determined that the student needs to go home, he or she is to remain on campus until a parent can pick up or release the student.

Students who are deemed by a teacher or administrator to have, or to have potentially, a contagious illness will be isolated from other students until they are picked up or released. Students are not allowed to return to school until their contagious symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours without medication or with a doctor’s note releasing them after experiencing any of the following:

Fever Communicable Disease Excessive Coughing

Vomiting Questionable Rash Non-clear discharge

Diarrhea Discharge from eyes Common Cold

Skin Infections

Should your child have allergies and symptoms that appear as a cold but not contagious, please inform your child’s teacher and the front office.

School of the Ozarks is able to provide only routine first aid for students who become ill or injured at school. At the beginning of the school year, parents may complete and turn in a permission form authorizing the front office to administer Tylenol or Ibuprofen to their child if circumstances warrant. Prescription medicine is kept and administered in the front office only when the school has on file a completed Medical Authorization Form signed by the student’s parent. This form is available at the front office.

Head Lice

Head lice can affect anyone regardless of personal hygiene or cleanliness at home or school. The Center for Disease Control states, “Head lice move by crawling; they do not hop or fly. Anyone who comes into head-to-head contact with someone who already has lice is at the greatest risk.” The spread of lice can be controlled with prompt diagnosis and effective preventative treatment. When treating for lice, when live lice is found in the hair, retreat within 7-9 days. Otherwise, the parents must continue to use the fine tooth comb daily and comb every strand of hair to remove the nits.

Students must be 24 hours lice-free before returning to school. This is necessary to help prevent the spread of head lice. Please check your child’s hair for evidence of head lice. If you suspect your child has head lice, please notify the school office promptly.

Medical information and immunizations are required. The College (School) does not accept exemptions for immunizations. The College (School) will consider an immune titer (lab work that shows immunity to the diseases for which immunizations are required) or a physician’s statement/recommendation if the patient has history/family history of adverse reaction to immunizations. A waiver for the meningitis immunization is permitted because it is not yet a state-required immunization.

The following immunizations are required: Hepatitis B series; diphtheria; tetanus diphtheria booster within the last ten years from date of enrollment in School of the Ozarks; polio series; measles, mumps, rubella series. A tuberculosis skin test is required within the last year from the date of enrollment. A meningitis immunization is recommended, but not yet required (a waiver is accepted for this immunization).

Visitors

All visitors, including parents, must report to the office when entering the building. Former students and guests must have prior approval from the Dean of the Lab School in order to visit during the school day.

Messages to Students from Parents

Messages of an emergency nature only are delivered to students during the school day. All other messages are delivered after the school day ends. Parents should contact the main office to leave a message for their child.

Delivery of Items by Outside Vendors and Parents

Parents, students, friends and family members should not disrupt the school day by ordering and arranging for the delivery of items from outside vendors, such as food, flowers, balloons and the like. Parents are asked to have such orders delivered to the student’s home; otherwise, items delivered to the School will be kept at the office until the end of the school day.

If a parent needs to bring something that a student might have forgotten at home, they are asked to bring it to the office, and we will let the student know to pick it up in between classes. We will not disrupt class time to deliver forgotten items.

Lost and Found

School of the Ozarks is not responsible for lost or stolen items; however, we will do our best to assist and return found items to the rightful owner. Lost items should be reported to the office, and found items should be turned in to the office. We highly recommend using a permanent marker to identify all school uniform items. The school will not hold items over the summer.

Inclement Weather Policy

We take student safety seriously at S of O. Please keep these guidelines in mind as we prepare for the possibility of inclement weather.

? When school is cancelled, parents will receive a text-cast through RenWeb as soon as the decision is made. School cancellation may be broadcast on KRZK, KOMC, KHOZ, and KLFC, as well as the "Weather Phone" (417-336-5000). Parents who live in outlying areas should use their discretion in deciding if their student will be at school if the weather is questionable, and we have school. We understand that the weather can be much different 15 or 20 miles in any direction from the School. Please call the office if your student will not be at school. Work can be made up according to the policy in the Student Handbook.

? The decision to cancel or continue with an athletic activity for that night will be made in cooperation with the opponent and finalized near mid-day. The decision will be broadcast in the same manner as school cancellation.

Emergency Procedures

A copy of the tornado and fire emergency plan will be placed in each classroom. A fire and tornado drill will take place at the beginning of each school year.

We would like to give a special thanks to Hillsdale Academy (Hillsdale, MI), New Hope Academy (Franklin, TN), and Valor Christian High School (Highlands Ranch, CO) for their help in creating this handbook.